Business, international

The high-rise can be redeemed

Article Abstract:

It is possible to rehabilitate some high-rise blocks of flats and make them popular with tenants. Isolated blocks that are close to conventional buildings are the best candidates for refurbishment. Often poorly planned, build of inferior materials and badly maintained, tower blocks must be strengthened, insulated and the external environment improved. Flats should not be let to inappropriate tenants and management of the building must be reassessed.

Tenant participation: talking it over

Article Abstract:

Tenants of two north London tower blocks participated in decisions made about refurbishment of the blocks, following a social survey by USER Research, the social research subsidiary of Hunt Thompson Associates. Both buildings were built using the BRE batch casting method and one needed complete re-cladding. Decisions about the projects were recorded through monthly newsletters.

Populism doesn't mean vulgarity

Article Abstract:

Architects should design buildings which appeal to the public, and not focus on the artistic side. Buildings should be enjoyable for people to use. Buildings of a popular design need not be vulgar. They need to be accessible to the public. In future, populist buildings will be easy to construct and will appear familiar to the public.